September 28

Exodus 23:14-16

Something to read

Three times in the year you shall hold a festival for me. You shall observe the festival of unleavened bread; as I commanded you, you shall eat unleavened bread for seven days at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt. No one shall appear before me empty-handed. You shall observe the festival of harvest, of the first fruits of your labour, of what you sow in the field. You shall observe the festival of ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in from the field the fruit of your labour.
New Revised Standard Version

Something to think about

People who are serious about their religion may choose to fast at appointed times, as many Christians around the world do in the season of Lent. We all recognise the spiritual discipline required and respect their piety.

But the Bible has as much and more to say about feasting as a holy response to the goodness of God. In the Hebrew scriptures you are as likely to find mention of 'the appointed feasts' as of 'the seasons of the year'.

It is good to celebrate God’s abundance. This may be particularly true for those of us who are active campaigners for an end to poverty. Alongside everything we do to restore justice to the world’s economies, what fills the hungry with good things is the abundance of God.

When we feast we revel in God’s goodness with an outpouring of gratitude and praise.

Something to do

Set the date for your harvest feast, if you haven’t already done so. Plan the menu. Think about whom to invite. Calculate what it will cost you and give an equivalent amount towards food for the hungry.

Something to pray

O Lord, in times of austerity help us to remember the deeper reality of your abundant Kingdom. And teach us how to share.

Today's contributor is the Rev Roberta Rominger, a former General Secretary of the United Reformed Church